EAR NOSE THROAT

DESCRIPTION: The drug challenge is a test whereby a patient is given increasing amount of a medication to see if they are able to tolerate it at the clinic. This is the “gold standard” of diagnostic tests because it establishes the diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity.

FAQs

What should I expect from the drug challenge?

The drug challenge protocol may differ depending on the trigger drug; however, the procedure generally involves first conducting a skin prick test. If no reaction is noted from the skin prick test, we then move on to intradermal testing of the drug. If no reaction is noted from the intradermal testing, we then proceed to give increasing doses of the drug orally.

How long will the drug challenge take?

The drug challenge can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. After the last drug dosage is administered, we require the patient to stay at least 2 hours at the clinic to monitor for any reactions that can occur.

Is the drug challenge safe?

Yes. The test is safe because you will be under the close supervision of medically trained professionals and the allergist.

DESCRIPTION: The medically supervised oral food challenge is the “gold standard” of diagnostic tests. If it is determined by the allergist that the risk of having a reaction is low after appropriate testing, then this is usually pursued. A protocol is followed whereby increasing amounts of the food is introduced over a couple of hours with close monitoring of patient’s vitals.

FAQs

How long will the food challenge take?

The food challenge can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. After the last dosage of the trigger food is administered, we require the patient to stay at least 2 hours at the clinic to monitor for any reactions that can occur.

Is the food challenge safe?

Yes. The test is safe because you will be under the close supervision of medically trained professionals and the allergist.

TESTIMONIALS

I had allergy shots for 10+ years previously (through a different Doctor) with NO results. Dr. Taschdjian urged me to try them one more time. Half way through the cluster shots I started being able to smell again! I haven’t been able to smell in decades. My 5+ allergy to dogs seems to have gone away! It’s truly a miracle. The cluster shots are a pain while you’re going through them, but I managed to complete mine in 1 month, so it was completely worth it! I love Dr. T and his staff are both professional and personable. If you have allergies, give Dr. T a try! I’m so grateful that I did.

Susanne J, from Yelp

Can’t say enough great things about Dr. Raffi Tachdjian. If you are looking for an excellent immunologist/allergist and want someone trustworthy and attentive, look no further. Dr. T takes amazing care of his patients!

Daniel B., from Yelp

Dr. Tachdjian’s office is the best. This is an organized, well-run, and effective office. The staff and assistants are all very friendly and helpful. Dr. Tachdjian himself is a wonderful doctor and a great person. I was so pleased on my first visit to be able to do all the testing in one visit. It didn’t take more than a couple weeks of diligently going to the office for my immunotherapy shots to start to experience results. After suffering for several years from (oftentimes debilitating!) California allergy and sneezing attacks, I’m finally normal again!

Emma, from Yelp

Dr. Tachdjian did what these others did not/could not do: he listened to me!!! After testing etc. he made a recommendation that basically improved my life tenfold!!!
I am so grateful to this outstanding professional that if “Five Stars” is considered excellent, I would give him Six!!!
Dr. Tachdjian’s entire office, from the moment you walk thru the front door, is populated by sweet, kind, and caring people.